WJU Hires Creative Arts Degree Program Chairman

ROCKIN, Calif. - William Jessup University has hired Derek Martin as Chair of the new Creative Arts Bachelor Degree Program slotted to begin fall semester 2013.

The Bachelor of Arts in Creative Arts is an interdisciplinary degree with concentrations in theater, arts administration, and visual arts, said Jessup's Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Dennis Jameson. "The unique degree program will provide both the breadth and depth of opportunities that graduates need in the contemporary marketplace."

Martin has a Master's degree of Fine Arts in Acting with a concentration in Directing from Regent University and is honored to be joining faculty members at the growing university.

"I am passionate about excellence in artistry and the redemption of culture through education and production within the arts," Martin explained. "Jessup's new Creative Arts program is the first program of its kind that positions students to meet the emergent demands in artistic professions by training across multiple disciplines."

Martin was a former faculty member at Regent University with the graduate program in Acting. He also served as the resident choreographer and a director in the main stage season. He is the Artistic Director of the Americana Theatre Company, a professional summer stock in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

He has spent the last fifteen years as a professional actor, director, dancer and choreographer. Martin has worked with many professional theatre companies such as the off-Broadway, York Theatre Company in New York City, The Musical Theatre of Connecticut, Connecticut Repertory Theatre, Virginia Musical Theatre, The Palace Theatre in Manchester, New Hampshire, The Broward Stage Door Theatre, and the Round Barn Theatre to name a few.

Jessup's new Creative Arts program will seamlessly blend both practical and theoretical class work across multiple disciplines and offer many co-curricular opportunities.

Additionally, the university will offer a Creative Arts minor for students who want to engage their creativity alongside their chosen major.

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